Microsoft → Son's Laptop error!!

When I boot up my son's laptop (my mother gave him), it begins Windows 98... then KICKS out of W98... goes straight to the C:\windows directory. I think type in 'win' - and the instructions come back saying that 'himem.sys' is not in the Windows directory. It IS in the windows directory, the C:\ drive, and the c:\dos drive.

So if the config.sys says C:\dos\himem.sys.... why is it calling on C:\windows for the sys file.... and even though I have a copy in DOS too, why is it acting like the file isn't there???

I'm not a great computer person... but I can figure out from someone if instructions are given....

Thanks in advance!
Megan

You may want to have a look at/edit the win.ini file as well as changing the config.sys to load HIMEM.SYS from the Windows directory. Memory fades, or I would be have a more detailed answer for you. Still, you are on the right track.

You should only have to change the config.sys. To do this, from the c:/ prompt type edit config.sys. This should bring your config.sys file up in a text editor in DOS. Change the line pointing to your himem.sys. It actually should be pointing to c:\dos but if it is and himem.sys is not in that directory then point it to the correct location.

Thanks! But I have done all of that..... I still can't go into Win98... even in Safe Mode.....

ANy other suggestions?

Ross: I Don't know what I'm to change in win.ini... it looks normal? to me....

Now I tried to bootup the laptop, now it didn't do what it did before... now, I get this:

VFAT Device Initialization Failed
A device or resource required by VFAT is not present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading.

System halted.

Ross:

it looks like this:

[windows]
spooler=yes
run=c:\winutils\maxtime.exe c:\pcmplus3\pcmwarn.exe,c:\pcmplus3\pcmwarn.exe
beep=yes

Then Desktop section
Then Extensions section

Any idea?

Also, did you notice a "NOAUTO parameter to the "DOS=" statement in the CONFIG.SYS file"? If so, see the following MS KB article:

Err Msg: Missing Himem.sys. Make sure that the file is in your Windows directory and that its location is correctly specified in your CONFIG.SYS file

Hi Auggy!

Here is my Config.sys...

Device=C:\windows\himem.sys
Device=c:\dos\emm386.exe NOEMS
DOS=HIGH
DOS=UMB
FILES=30
BUFFERS=15
FCBS=4,0
STACKS=9,256
LASTDRIVE=E
rem DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\power.exe

So, I don't see the line you specified?

Thanks!

Any other clues?

Yes if there is nothing to important on that hard drive format it and reinstall windows 98.

What is the exact error message you get when you try to boot into Windows?

Did this problem just start?

Shootist! - - No doubt!!!

But my mother bought it for her trips to the hospital from someone for small stuff.. and the laptop doesn't have CD Rom... so finding Windows on disk anymore is nil to none... I'm waiting to see what an external CD rom would run me... but ... my son is 13... it was just for him to play around on... I'm about to SHOOT my own self!!

But trust me, I've thought on your suggestion....

Megan

Auggy:

it begins Windows 98... then KICKS out of W98... goes straight to the C:\windows directory (DOS STYLE). I then type in 'win' - and the instructions come back saying that 'himem.sys' is not in the Windows directory. It IS in the windows directory, and the C:\ drive, and the c:\dos drive.

Why is it calling on C:\windows for the sys file.... and even though I have a copy in DOS too, why is it acting like the file isn't there???

Same scenario as my first post..... anytime I type WIN at the c:\windows prompt .. I'm told I have no himem...... (haven't heard that since my wedding night... just kidding... heehehehehe);)

I'm grateful... truly.. but I'm about to just found out how to erase it and then find the files on the internet to just boot it to DOS... he will just have to play old games from DOS at this point...



Thanks everyone!
Megan

Well, the problem may not be with the himem.sys at all.

Since you were getting a VFAT Initialization error maybe the problem is with the Ifshlp.sys.

Try adding the line DEVICE=C:\Windows\Ifshlp.sys to the config.sys as explained in the following MS KB article, which also has some more things to look at for a VFAT Initialization error:

Error Message: VFAT Device Initialization Failed

moving to microsoft help.

Any chance the win98 install files are on the hard disk? If so, you may be able to just do a reinstall over the existing win98, hopefully fixing your problem.

See if they are in c:\windows\options\cabs, c:\cabs, or c:\win98.